Howler Hot Topics event tackles fire safety in construction
Iain Hoey
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Fire safety compliance challenges in welfare areas
On 26 November 2024, Howler hosted its first Howler Hot Topics roundtable at London’s Shard.
The event, organised in collaboration with partitioning specialist Westgate, focused on fire safety compliance in construction and refurbishment projects.
The discussion centred on the Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation (JCoP).
This code highlights the importance of fire safety in welfare areas and site accommodation, which are often overlooked but crucial for compliance.
Collaboration in fire safety standards
Attendees shared insights on balancing strict fire safety planning with practical solutions.
Gary Askew, Managing Director of Howler UK, stated: “Collaboration is key to advancing fire safety standards.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Westgate, whose expertise in fire safety partitioning complements our own solutions for fit-out projects.”
The event provided a platform for professionals to discuss how to address complex fire safety issues while driving industry progress.
Key discussions and industry impact
The roundtable featured conversations on real-world challenges, actionable solutions, and the need to prioritise fire safety during all construction phases.
A whitepaper summarising these discussions is now available on Howler’s website.
The success of this event has spurred plans for a second Howler Hot Topics roundtable, which will take place in northern England early in 2025.
Howler’s approach to fire safety
Howler has nearly 40 years of expertise in temporary fire safety solutions.
Through initiatives like the Howler Hot Topics series, the company aims to create forums to address fire safety challenges and improve safety standards across the construction industry.
Howler Hot Topics Whitepaper Summary
The whitepaper summarises the discussions from the inaugural Howler Hot Topics event held in November 2024, focusing on fire safety in site accommodation during construction or refurbishment projects.
The discussions addressed two critical aspects of fire safety: the legal obligation to protect lives and the broader importance of safeguarding property and livelihoods.
Key insights included practical challenges in adhering to the Joint Code of Practice (JCoP) and the importance of adopting a risk-based approach.
Insurers stressed the need for “best endeavours” and highlighted the value of a thorough Fire Risk Assessment.
Three recurring themes emerged: early planning, proactive communication, and ongoing collaboration.
Specific challenges discussed included:
- Fire compartmentation for site accommodation: Practical and cost barriers to achieving 30-minute fire resistance. Risk-based mitigations such as automatic detection were proposed.
- Fire Brigade access: Addressing issues for multi-storey projects exceeding height limits under JCoP.
- Contractor competency: Emphasising the need for verified skills and construction-specific fire risk assessment expertise.
- Fire exits and protective coverings: Meeting safety requirements while considering practicality and cost.
- Lithium battery risks: Promoting awareness and quality control to reduce fire risks from charging equipment.
Participants also stressed the importance of involving clients, building management, and insurers early in the process to align strategies effectively.
The insights and recommendations aim to help industry professionals navigate fire safety complexities and enhance compliance practices.
Howler hosts inaugural fire safety event at London’s Shard: Summary
Howler launched its first Howler Hot Topics event on 26 November 2024 at London’s Shard, focusing on fire safety in construction.
Organised with Westgate, the roundtable discussed compliance challenges in welfare areas and site accommodation under the JCoP guidelines.
Attendees explored solutions to balance safety planning with practical implementation.
Managing Director Gary Askew emphasised the importance of collaboration in improving fire safety standards.
A whitepaper summarising the event is now available online.
Following its success, a second roundtable is planned for early 2025 in northern England.
